These days, just about every company depends on customer loyalty. But partner marketers don’t just have to think about customer loyalty, they have to work hard to get partner loyalty, too. Standing out to partners has become more challenging than ever before. That’s why going the extra mile by adding a personalized touch can significantly enhance your partner relationships.
As marketers, we’ve found one impactful strategy that tends to pay in spades for partner marketers: the art of signature gifting. (Can we get a ‘hell yeah’ if gift-giving is your love language, too?).
Below, we’re sharing three tips (and some fun ideas) to amp up your partner signature gift-giving game.
1. Ditch the generic
There are sooo many overused promotional items out there and, let’s face it, many of them end up in a trash can. The usual key chain, mug and water bottle promotional swag just isn’t going to cut it if you want to stand out from the competition.
Whether it’s a handcrafted item, a curated gift basket, or an experience, the key is to evoke an emotional response with your signature gift. By demonstrating that you’ve invested time and effort into selecting something meaningful, you not only differentiate yourself from competitors but also forge a deeper connection with your partners.
Interesting gifts don’t have to be expensive, either. Here are some ideas for creative and meaningful gifts that don’t cost much:
- Book on a shared interest
- Summer or holiday music playlist with earbuds
- Glassware and recipe for a signature cocktail
- Native flower seeds for their region
- Paint-by-number kit
- Customized pet accessories
- Charging cords with their name on them
- Silly toys like goofy magnets, fake tattoos, stickers, etc.
- Birthday (or holiday ) in a box: silly string, streamers, cupcake and confetti
Take your pick! The list could go on and on. The point is, it doesn’t have to be expensive but it does need to be interesting and memorable.
2. Become known for it
Instead of scrambling for a new idea every few months, pick a type of gift that becomes a true signature of your brand and tweak it a little each time. Think of things you could easily customize that your partners might never have enough of, or things they might think are fun to collect.
We’ve seen our clients become known for seasonal custom dress socks, themed gift baskets that only arrive on obscure holidays and pop-culture bobblehead collectibles. The gift doesn’t have to have anything to do with what you sell or your brand, as long as it includes your logo somewhere and makes the recipient smile. If you hit on the right idea you can leave your partners anticipating the exciting next release more than the latest color of Stanley water bottles.
3. Delivery method matterz
What’s the best way to receive a gift? In person, of course. Instead of having your item get lost in the sea of cardboard boxes that arrive on each doorstep daily, show up with a smile and a handshake. No need to overstay your welcome, but a quick in-person hello makes a gift much more memorable. It also gives you an excuse to pop in and gives your partner the opportunity to thank you in person. Maybe you even strike up a conversation that goes beyond everyday business and get intel for your next gift idea.
If you can’t be there in person, you can still make your gift stand out with creative packaging. The unboxing experience has been proven to add value and excitement. Studies show that people are even willing to pay more for something that comes in a fancy box. The more you can create an experience for your partners, the better they will remember your efforts. Punch it up with custom-branded packaging from our friends over at PAC Worldwide!
Ready to get gifting?
At Content Matterz, we’ve supported partner markets with strategy, design and fulfillment for gifting campaigns. We even have partnerships with fulfillment companies that will do the gifting for you! If you’re looking for new ways to add some fun to your partner programs, we’re here to help. Let’s get gifting!